>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY NJM INSURANCE, SERVING RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS AND HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY, AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

>>> FROM NJ PBS, THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH BRIANA VANNOZZI.

>>> GOOD EVENING AND THANKS FOR JOINING US THIS THURSDAY NIGHT.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

WE BEGIN WITH A DECISION BY THE U.S. SUPREME COURT TODAY STRIKING DOWN A CENTURY-OLD GUN LAW .

IN A 6-3 RULING, THE JUSTICES OVERTURNED A LAW RESTRICTING A GUN OWNER'S ABILITY TO CARRY WEAPONS IN PUBLIC.

THE VERDICT IS EXPECTED TO HAVE NATIONWIDE IMPLICATIONS PARTICULARLY IN STATES WITH SIMILAR LAWS INCLUDING NEW JERSEY, THOUGH THE STATES PERMITTING PROCESS IS CONSIDERED AMONG THE TOUGHEST IN THE NATION.

THIS IS THE FIRST MAJOR DECISION BY THE COURT ON GUNS IN OVER A DECADE.

NEW YORK'S LAW REQUIRED GUN OWNERS TO DEMONSTRATE A SPECIFIC NEED FOR A WEAPON TO BE GRANTED A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT, WRITING FOR THE COURT'S CONSERVATIVE MAJORITY JUSTICE CLARENCE THOMAS WROTE THE LAW WAS A VIOLATION TO INDIVIDUALS RIGHT TO CARRY A HANDGUN FOR SELF-DEFENSE OUTSIDE THE HOME.

THIS RULING COMES AS CONGRESS IS MOVING TOWARD THE FIRST MAJOR LEGISLATION ON GUN CONTROL IN NEARLY 30 YEARS IN RESPONSE TO THE RECENT SPATE OF MASS SHOOTINGS IN NEW YORK, CALIFORNIA, AND TEXAS.

GOVERNOR MURPHY TODAY ISSUING A STATEMENT, LET THERE BE NO MISTAKE THIS DANGEROUS DECISION WILL MAKE AMERICA A LESS SAFE COUNTRY BUT LET ME BE EQUALLY CLEAR THAT HERE IN NEW JERSEY, WE WILL DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO PROTECT OUR RESIDENTS.

ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL ECHOING THE GOVERNOR, QUOTE, PLAIN AND SIMPLE, THE MAJORITY'S DECISION DISREGARDS CENTURIES OF PRACTICE AND RECKLESSLY ENABLES VIOLENCE.

MEANWHILE THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE IS IN THE THROES OF A CRITICAL TIME OF THE YEAR.

NEGOTIATING THE FINAL STATE BUDGET BY JULY 1st.

AND IN WHAT HAS BECOME PERHAPS ONE OF THE BIGGEST SURPRISES OF THE PANDEMIC, ONCE AGAIN FIGURING OUT HOW TO SPEND BILLIONS IN EXTRA CASH.

SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT DAVID CRUISE SEPTEMBER THE GOVERNOR TO TALK ABOUT THAT AND MUCH MORE FOR THIS SEASON'S FINAL EPISODE OF CHATTERBOX.

>> SO, HERE WE ARE IN THE HOME STRETCH OF JUNE.

HOW CLOSE ARE YOU GUYS TO FINALIZING YOUR BUDGET WITH THE LEGISLATURE?

>> WE HAVE MORE WORK TO DO BUT WE ARE GETTING THERE.

I CAME OUT OF A MEETING A SHORT WHILE AGO.

THESE THINGS ARE ALWAYS COMPLICATED.

WHILE THERE IS SOME COMMONALITY ACROSS THE BUDGETS I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH AT THIS POINT, THERE ARE UNIQUE MOMENTS IN TIME AND THIS IS CERTAINLY ONE OF THEM.

I FEEL REALLY GOOD ABOUT THE PROGRESS WE HAVE MADE.

OBVIOUSLY THE CLOCK IS TICKING, BUT SO FAR, SO GOOD.

>> ONE OF THE POTENTIAL STICKING POINTS IS THIS LANGUAGE STRUCK FROM YOUR BUDGET PROPOSAL THAT WOULD GUARANTEE THE LEGISLATURE'S ROLE IN DISPENSING SOMETHING LIKE $3 BILLION IN AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS.

THE SENATE BUDGET COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SENATE PRESIDENT BOTH SAY THE RESTORATION OF THAT LANGUAGE IS NONNEGOTIABLE AND WITHOUT IT, THERE IS NO BUDGET, SO WHY WAS THE LANGUAGE IN THE BUDGET IN THE FIRST PLACE?

WILL YOU AGREE TO RESTART IT?

>> I'M NOT SURE THERE IS ANYTHING IN THE HISTORICAL SENSE THAT IS RELEVANT NOW AS YOU AND I SPEAK.

WE JUST HAD A VERY GOOD SESSION AS I MENTIONED A SHORT WHILE AGO AND IT WAS ALMOST ENTIRELY AROUND THAT PROCESS AND WE HAVE FROM MOMENT ONE -- >> WELCOME BACK.

WE WANT THEIR PARTNERSHIP.

WE WANT TO BE LOCKED IN TOGETHER BECAUSE ONCE YOU START SPENDING THE MONEY, YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO SAY YOU MADE THIS DECISION TOGETHER SO WE ARE IN A GOOD PLACE ON THAT.

WE ARE CHOPPING THROUGH SOME OF THE DETAILS BUT WE FEEL REALLY GOOD ABOUT WHERE WE ARE ON THAT PARTICULAR FRONT.

>> CONCEPTUALLY YOU ARE IN AGREEMENT BUT THE LANGUAGE HAS NOT BEEN RESTORED?

>> IT WILL END UP IN A GOOD PLACE.

I AM HIGHLY CONFIDENT.

I DON'T WANT TO PUT WORDS IN THE SPEAKER'S MOUTH, BUT WE HAD A REALLY GOOD CONVERSATION FROM THAT SPECIFIC POINT.

WE WILL GET TO A GOOD PLACE, I AM CONFIDENT.

>> ALL RIGHT, LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR TAX RELIEF PLAN.

IT IS AN AWKWARD BACK IN HIM ACRONYM.

I DUNNO HOW IT SPELLS ANGER, BUT IS IT JUST A ONE-SHOT DEAL OR WILL YOU PUT $2 BILLION IN EVERY BUDGET GOING FORWARD?

>> THIS IS PERMANENT.

I LIKE THE ACRONYM, DAVID.

I KNOW IT IS A BIT OF A WINDING ROAD.

IT KIND OF SAYS A LOT FOR PEOPLE HERE.

THIS IS PERMANENT AND IT IS HISTORIC.

THERE ARE THREE BIG PROMISES.

THERE ARE PROBABLY MORE BUT THERE WERE THREE PROMISES MADE BEFORE WE GOT HERE THAT WERE UNKEPT AND I COMMITTED IT FIRST PRIVATELY AND NOW VERY PUBLICLY TO KEEP THOSE PROMISES.

ONE WAS TO MAKE THE FULL PENSION PAYMENT.

THE OTHER WAS TO FULLY FUND PUBLIC EDUCATION.

AND THE THIRD WAS TO MAKE GOOD ON THE PROMISE OF 15 YEARS AGO TO FILL OUT A PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FORMULA UNDER THE OLD HOMESTEAD REBATE PROGRAM AND WITH THIS ANGER PROGRAM, THAT WILL BE THE THIRD AND WE WILL HAVE COMPLETED THAT.

IT IS REALLY SIGNIFICANT.

IF YOU MAKE LESS THAN $150,000 A YEAR AND YOU OWN A HOME, YOU GET A $1500 CHECK.

YOU GET $450 CHECK AND THAT ALL ADDS UP.

EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT ROLLS PROPERTY TAX LEVELS BACK TO 2011.

IT IS A PROGRAM WE LIKE.

>> WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH GOVERNOR MURPHY ON THE SEASON FINALE OF CHATTERBOX WITH DAVID CRUZ TONIGHT AT 6:30 P.M. ON THE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL OR WHEREVER YOU STREAM .

>>> WITH 67 JUDICIAL VACANCIES, COURTS ARE IN AN UNPRECEDENTED SITUATION, BEING FORCED TO DELAY OR CANCEL ALTOGETHER CERTAIN TRIALS.

THAT IS TO KEEP CRIMINAL, FAMILY, AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES MOVING.

THE PROBLEM BEGAN DURING THE PANDEMIC WITH JUDICIAL CONFIRMATIONS STUCK IN A LEGISLATIVE JAM AND THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE CONTINUING TO THAT DOZENS OF NOMINEES.

NOW UNDERSTAFFED COURTS ARE UP AGAINST A MASSIVE CASE BACKLOG THAT SWELLED DURING COVID SHUTDOWNS TOO.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE NEW JERSEY STATE BAR ASSOCIATION SAYS HER ORGANIZATION IS CONSIDERING A LAWSUIT TO GET LAWMAKERS MOVING.

I WANT TO ASK YOU FIRST, YOU RECENTLY CALLED THIS SITUATION THE COURTS ARE IN "CATASTROPHIC."

WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE?

>> WHERE WE GO FROM HERE, BRIANA, IS GOING TO CONTINUE THE DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE LEGISLATOR AND THE GOVERNOR TO GET THESE VACANCIES FILLED.

WE HAVE LEARNED AS RECENT AS LAST NIGHT THAT ADDING ANOTHER COUNTY TO THE LIST OF NOT BEING ABLE TO HEAR DIVORCE MATTERS OR POST JUDGMENT DIVORCE MATTERS, SO WE ARE ABOUT UP TO 66% OF OUR COUNTIES THAT ARE CLOSED OFF TO FAMILIES AND CHILDREN WHERE THEIR PARENTS NEED TO GET A DIVORCE.

WE NEED TO FIND A WAY FORWARD.

THE STATE BAR ASSOCIATION IS HERE TO LEND A HAND IN ANY WAY WE CAN.

IF WE CAN HOST THE MEDIATION SESSION AT THE CENTER.

WE JUST NEED A GRASSROOTS SWELL TO GET THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE TO PAY ATTENTION TO ADDRESS THIS DIRE SITUATION.

>> IF NOT NOW, AT WHAT POINT DO YOU LOOK AT PERHAPS LEGAL ACTION?

>> WELL, THAT IS SOMETHING WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT.

WE HAVE NOT AT ALL MADE ANY DECISION WITH REGARD WITH WHAT TO DO.

WE ARE TALKING TO CONSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARS TO SEE IF THERE IS A PATH FORWARD.

WE DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS ONE AT THIS POINT.

CERTAINLY THAT IS NOT THE PATH WE WANT TO GO DOWN.

WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO USE ALL MEANS OF DIPLOMACY AVAILABLE TO US, BUT OUR OPTIONS REMAIN ON THE TABLE TO US.

WE ARE THE LARGEST LEGAL ORGANIZATION, SO OF COURSE IF SOMETHING THAT IS HAPPENING RUNS A FOUL OF WHAT WE PERCEIVE IT TO BE, WE WILL TAKE A LOOK AT THAT.

WE ARE NOT TAKING ANY OPTION OFF THE TABLE BUT AGAIN, HAVE NOT MADE ANY DECISION WITH REGARD TO A LAWSUIT AND WE HOPE QUITE FRANKLY IT DOES NOT COME TO THAT.

THAT IS SOMETHING WE ARE STUDYING TO SEE IF THERE IS EVEN A PATH FORWARD WITH REGARD TO THAT.

>> WELL, WHAT OTHER OPTIONS CAN YOU PURSUE?

YOU ARE CALLING THEM DIPLOMATIC OPTIONS.

WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?

>> THEY LOOK LIKE MEETINGS WITH MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE AND THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A VERY LONG PERIOD OF TIME.

PHONE CALLS, IN PERSON MEETINGS, ZOOM MEETINGS, SEEING WHAT WE CAN DO AND HOW WE CAN ASSIST, WHAT WE CAN DO TO BREAK THIS JAM.

OTHER THAN THAT, I AM TRYING TO ENGAGE THE PUBLIC, TRYING TO TELL THE STORIES OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN AND FATHERS AND JUST HEARD FROM A COLLEAGUE JUST TODAY THAT THEY FILED A PARENTING TIME APPLICATION IN ESSEX COUNTY AND A FATHER'S NOT GOING TO SEE THEIR KIDS FOR THE ENTIRE SUMMER BECAUSE THEY CANNOT GET INTO COURT TO BE HEARD UNTIL THE FALL.

SO UNTIL THESE STORIES START RESONATING WITH THE GOVERNOR AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE THAT THEY ARE HARMING CHILDREN, HARMING FAMILIES, WE WILL CONTINUE TALKING TO PEOPLE, ENGAGING OUR MEMBERS.

WE WILL START A LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN WE HOPE TO ENGAGE OUR MEMBERS AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO CALL TO ACTION AND GET THIS SITUATION RESOLVED.

>> CERTAINLY I KNOW THE LEGISLATURE IS PLANNING TO MEET OVER THE SUMMER RECESS, BUT FROM WHAT YOU ARE SAYING, IT SEEMS THAT WILL NOT BE FAST ENOUGH.

JERILYN LAWRENCE, THANKS FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

>> THANK YOU, BRIANA.

>>> ONE OF NEW JERSEY'S LARGEST NURSING HOMES IS AT A TIPPING POINT.

FEDERAL FUNDING IS SET TO BE CUT OFF TODAY AND MORE THAN 100 RESIDENTS WERE MOVED OUT OF THE WOODLAND BEHAVIORAL AND NURSING CENTER IN ANDOVER.

THE CENTER IS ON THE BRINK OF PERMANENT CLOSURE.

JUST WEEKS AGO, STATE OFFICIALS REVOKED THE NURSING HOME'S LICENSE AND THERE ARE NO APPLICANTS TO TAKE OVER THE FACILITY FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE ANDOVER SUBACUTE AND REHABILITATION CENTER.

THE CENTER WAS FOUND GUILTY OF VIOLATIONS THAT PUT ITS 400 RESIDENTS AT SERIOUS RISK, CAUSING A SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE TO INTERVENE LAST MONTH.

THERE ARE OVER 200 PATIENTS AT THE HOME.

THE SUSSEX COUNTY FACILITY HAS FACED CRITICISM FOR YEARS BUT GAINED NATIONAL ATTENTION DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE PANDEMIC WHEN POLICE DISCOVERED 17 BODIES PILED UP IN A MAKESHIFT MORGUE.

NEW JERSEY NURSING HOMES WERE RAVAGED BY THE VIRUS ACROSS THE STATE TODAY, POSITIVE CASES CONTINUE DECLINING WITH JUST OVER 2600 CASES BEING REPORTED AND 14 COVID RELATED DEATHS.

>>> EVEN BEFORE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN, MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES AMONG YOUNG ADULTS WERE A MAJOR CONCERN BOTH HERE IN NEW JERSEY AND NATIONWIDE.

BUT ACCORDING TO RECENT STUDIES, THE NUMBER OF RESIDENTS GRAPPLING WITH THOSE ISSUES HAS SPIKED.

THE STATE LEGISLATURE IS HOPING A SLATE OF BILLS COULD HELP COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS RECEIVED THE MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT THEY NEED.

MELISSA ROSE COOPER REPORTS.

>> Reporter: FOR MANY YOUNG ADULTS, GOING TO COLLEGE IS THE START OF THE NEXT EXCITING CHAPTER OF THEIR LIVES BUT IT'S ALSO A TIME STUDENTS ARE FACED WITH NEW CHALLENGES THAT CAN BE EXTREMELY OVERWHELMING.

>> NOT ONLY WHAT YOU SEE IN TYPICAL ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION WHICH, AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, ARE THE STRESSORS OF COLLEGE LIFE FOR THE TYPICAL COLLEGE STUDENT BUT THIS IS ALSO THE TIME WE SEE EATING DISORDERS AND ADDICTION ISSUES AND EVEN PSYCHOSIS EMERGES AT THIS AGE.

ANY NUMBER OF REASONS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO WHAT WE ARE SEEING WITH MENTAL HEALTH CRISES GOING ON GLOBALLY BUT ESPECIALLY IN OUR POPULATION.

>> Reporter: A CRISIS THAT AFFECTS A LARGE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WITH ANYWHERE FROM 40 TO 60% EXPERIENCING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION.

>> WHAT WE DON'T KNOW FULLY IS THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC AND HOW THAT COULD POTENTIALLY INCREASE THAT, KNOWING SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS IS ONE OF THE MAIN INDICATORS LEADING TO DEPRESSION AND SUICIDALITY.

>> Reporter: A 2021 STUDY SAYS SUICIDE WAS THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS IN THE U.S., A TRAGEDY STATE LAWMAKERS ARE TRYING TO TACKLE.

LAST WEEK THE ASSEMBLY APPROVED THREE BILLS THAT WOULD HELP CREATE BETTER ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR YOUNG ADULTS.

ONE OF THEM, THE COLLEGE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ACT, WOULD PROVIDE PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES WITH GRANTS TO CUT DOWN ON WAIT TIMES FOR STUDENTS WHO NEED SERVICES.

IT WOULD ALSO HELP THEM EMPLOY MORE MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS AND THERAPISTS.

>> I HAVE SEEN MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES ARE CERTAINLY NOTHING NEW.

THEY HAVE BEEN THERE FOR ALL THESE YEARS.

>> Reporter: AND ASSEMBLYWOMAN IS ONE OF THE BILLS SPONSORS AFTER TEACHING IN HIGHER EDUCATION FOR 10 YEARS.

SHE SAYS THE PANDEMIC BROUGHT ATTENTION TO THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH.

>> I HAVE NOTICED THIS INCREASED NEED AMONG MY STUDENTS AND MY COLLEAGUES HAVE TALKED ABOUT THIS.

THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF WRITING ON BEHALF OF COLLEGE EDUCATORS THAT, YOU KNOW, MY STUDENTS NEED HELP.

THEY NEED SUPPORT AND THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH WE CAN DO IN THE CLASSROOM.

THEY NEED THAT TRAINED SUPPORT TO HELP THEM.

>> Reporter: ANOTHER ONE OF THE BILLS WOULD ALLOW COUNSELORS TO REFER HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS TO PRIVATE COUNSELORS.

THE NEW JERSEY COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION AND DIRECTOR OF COUNSELING FOR HILLSBORO TOWNSHIP SCHOOL AGREES THE MOVE IS A GOOD FIRST STEP.

>> WE HAVE A CHALLENGE IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH.

NOT ALL INSURANCE PROVIDERS AND NOT ALL COMMUNITIES HAVE PARITY IN PAYMENT TO PROVIDERS, SO THAT CONTRIBUTES TO HAVING FEWER PROVIDERS IN THE MENTAL HEALTH ARENA FOR INSURED CLIENTS AND ALSO UNDERINSURED OR UNINSURED CLIENTS OR STUDENTS AS WELL.

SO GETTING THEM INTO THIS WHEN OPTIONS ARE LIMITED, THAT IS WHEN WE GET INTO WAITLIST ISSUES AND HAVING THE AVAILABILITY.

YOU KNOW, NEW JERSEY DOESN'T HAVE TOO MANY RURAL AREAS, BUT IN THE LESS SUBURBAN AREAS, SOMETIMES THE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPACTS THAT.

THAT ALL IS NECESSARY TO ADDRESS FROM A LEGISLATIVE VIEW.

>> Reporter: COUNSELORS SAY THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE INITIATIVES THAT FOCUS ON WELLNESS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE SO FUTURE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES CAN BE PREVENTED.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I AM MELISSA ROSE COOPER.

>>> IN A SWEEPING MOVE BY THE FDA, THE e-CIGARETTE COMPANY JUUL WAS ORDERED TO PULL ALL PRODUCTS FROM THE MARKET.

THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DRAMATIC MOVES THEY HAVE MADE TO CRACK DOWN ON IT J VAPING.

JUUL HAS BEEN WIDELY BLAMED FOR IGNITING THE SURGE IN TEEN VAPING USE NATIONWIDE.

AS A RESULT, THE COMPANY MUST IMMEDIATELY STOP SELLING AND DISTRIBUTING DEVICES AND PODS AND PRODUCTS CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET MUST BE REMOVED.

THE FDA SAYS JUUL FAILED TO SHOW THEIR PRODUCT BENEFIT HEALTH.

e-CIGARETTE COMPANIES HAVE TOUTED VAPING AS A LESS HARMFUL ALTERNATIVE TO SMOKING WHEN THEY CAME ON THE DECADE MARKET MORE THAN A DECADE AGO.

JUUL IS A DRIVER BEHIND YOUTH VAPING AND CALLED THE DECISION LONG OVERDUE.

>>> THE PRESSURE WAS ON TODAY AT THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY AS LABOR ADVOCATES CALLED ON BOARD MEMBERS TO SHUTDOWN A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH AMAZON AT NEWARK AIRPORT, CITING POOR WORKING CONDITIONS BY THE WORLD'S LARGEST ONLINE RETAILER INCLUDING EXCESSIVE INJURIES, HIGH TURNOVER, AND LOW PAY.

JOANNA GAGIS HAS THE LATEST ON THE BUSINESS REPORT.

>> Reporter: COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS GATHERED OUTSIDE THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY TODAY DEMANDING A STOP TO AMAZON'S PLANNED AIR CARGO MEGA HUB AT NEWARK AIRPORT.

>> WE ARE CALLING ON THE PORT AUTHORITY TO NOT ALLOW AMAZON TO EXPAND FURTHER INTO NEW JERSEY WITHOUT MAKING COMMITMENTS TO THE COMMUNITY ABOUT JOB QUALITY, ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS AND, YOU KNOW, TO MAKE SURE IT DOES NOT OBSTRUCT WORKERS WERE LOOKING TO ORGANIZE THE UNION.

>> Reporter: A NEW REPORT JUST RELEASED RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT THE CONDITIONS WORKERS AT AMAZON FACE STEMMING FROM A LACK OF WORKER RETENTION.

>> TURNOVER AT AMAZON WAREHOUSES IS 124%, ALMOST DOUBLE THE RATE OF TURNOVER AT NON-AMAZON WAREHOUSES IN NEW JERSEY.

BASICALLY IT IS THE EQUIVALENT OF AMAZON HAVING TO REPLACE ITS ENTIRE WORKFORCE EVERY 10 MONTHS.

YOU KNOW, THESE NUMBERS REALLY CONFIRM WHAT WE HAVE HEARD FROM WORKERS ALL ALONG, THAT AMAZON TREATS ITS WORKERS AS DISPOSABLE.

>> Reporter: THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE PORT AUTHORITY USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HOLD AMAZON ACCOUNTABLE FOR POOR WORKING CONDITIONS.

>> AMAZON IS BRINGING DOWN STANDARDS IN TERMS OF WORKER SAFETY, JOB QUALITY, AND THERE IS NO REASON WHY THIS HUB SHOULD GO FORWARD FOR AMAZON WITHOUT THE COMMUNITY AND WORKERS HAVING RIGHTS WRITTEN INTO SOME KIND OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PORT AUTHORITY, AMAZON, AND THE COMMUNITY.

>> Reporter: SOMETHING THAT ADDRESSES THE HIGH TURNOVER THAT ALLOWS THE COMPANY TO MAINTAIN UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS.

>> WORKING AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, PUSHING OUR BODIES TO THE BRINK OFTEN TO THE POINT OF INJURY BECAUSE WE ARE AFRAID OF LOSING OUR JOBS CONSTANTLY.

AND SECOND, IT MAKES IT VERY HARD FOR WORKERS TO ORGANIZE UNIONS BECAUSE WORKERS ARE NOT AROUND LONG ENOUGH FOR THEM TO GET INVOLVED IN A UNION ORGANIZING EFFORT.

>> I UNDERSTAND HOW BACKBREAKING THE WORK AT AMAZON IS BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN FRIENDS, FAMILY, WORKERS IN MY ORGANIZATION COME BACK FROM AMAZON AND BE BROKEN DOWN TO THE POINTS THAT THEIR HANDS HURT, THEIR BACKS ARE NEARLY STUNTED.

>> Reporter: THEY DEMANDED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS FOR COMMUNITIES THAT ARE MOSTLY PEOPLE OF COLOR THAT ARE ALREADY OVERBURDENED WITH POLLUTION ONLY TO BE MADE WORSE BY THE AIR HUB.

>> IF THIS HUB DOES MANAGE TO BE BUILT, IT WILL BRING IN MORE POLLUTION AND MORE TRAFFIC THAN WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE.

IT WOULD MESS UP OUR ROADS WITH THE AMOUNT OF TRUCKS PASSING BY EVERY DAY.

>> Reporter: WE HAVE REACHED OUT TO AMAZON FOR COMMENT BUT HAVEN'T HEARD BACK.

THE ORGANIZATION WILL DEMAND THAT AMAZON MEET CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

>> WE HEARD EVERY WORD THAT WAS SAID TODAY AT THE PAST MEETINGS AND THE MEETINGS WE HAVE HAD WITH A LOT OF THE FOLKS THAT LIVE WITHIN THOSE COMMUNITIES.

WE HAVE SENT A LETTER BACK TO AMAZON THAT SAYS UNLESS CONDITIONS ARE MET, THERE WILL NOT BE A PARTNERSHIP.

>> Reporter: WHAT EXACTLY THOSE DEMANDS ARE HAS NOT BEEN MADE PUBLIC.

NEITHER HAS THE DEADLINE FOR THE FINAL APPROVAL FOR THE AIR HUB.

I AM JOANNA GAGIS , NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> AND HERE IS A LOOK AT HOW STOCKS FARED TODAY ON WALL STREET.

JOIN RHONDA SCHAFFLER THIS WEEKEND.

SHE IS COUNTING DOWN TO THE STATE BUDGET DEADLINE , HIGHLIGHTING WHAT BUSINESS OWNERS WANT FROM LAWMAKERS, WHERE ADVOCATES FEEL THE BUDGET FALLS SHORT, AND THE PUSH TO REFORM THE BUDGET APPROVAL PROCESS.

WATCH SATURDAY MORNING AT 10:00 A.M. ON THE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

>>> IN TRENTON TODAY, HUNDREDS OF ENVIRONMENTALISTS AND ACTIVISTS MARCHED THROUGH THE STREETS AND UP TO THE STATEHOUSE DEMANDING URGENT ACTION FROM THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION TO MOVE THE STATE OFF FOSSIL FUELS BY REJECTING SEVERAL PENDING PROJECTS AND CREATE A DETAILED PLAN OUTLINING JUST HOW THE STATE WILL MEET THE GOVERNOR'S COMMITMENT TO CUT POLLUTION IN HALF BY THE END OF THE DECADE.

TED GOLDBERG REPORTS.

>> Reporter: MORE THAN 200 PEOPLE RALLIED , SAYING -- ♪ >> Reporter: THROUGH TRENTON CALLING ON GOVERNOR MURPHY TO STOP FOSSIL FUEL PROJECTS ACROSS NEW JERSEY.

>> HE IS OUR GOVERNOR WHO RAN ON A GREEN PLATFORM.

I WANT HIM TO LIVE UP TO HIS PROMISES AND PULL THE PERMITS ON THESE FOSSIL FUEL PROJECTS.

>> I THINK THE MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES OFTEN BEAR THE BURDEN ON THE WORST ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, SO I AM HERE TRYING TO FIGHT FOR JUSTICE FOR THEM.

>> WE DO NOT NEED ANY MORE FOSSIL FUEL PROJECTS IN THIS TIME OF CLIMATE CRISIS.

HE IS PROPOSING TO BUILD PROJECTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES THAT ARE READY AND OVERBURDENED BY POLLUTION.

IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE.

>> Reporter: PROTESTERS CALLED FOR MURPHY TO USE MORE RENEWABLE SOURCES OF ENERGY AND STOP PLANS FOR A GAS POWERED PLANT, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IN NEWARK AND FOR NJ TRANSIT.

THEY SAY THOSE PLANS GO AGAINST MURPHY'S STATED GOALS OF THE FLASHING NEW JERSEY GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE.

>> TODAY WE COME TO LET THEM KNOW THAT WE WANT CLEAN WATER.

WE WANT CLEAN AIR.

AND WE WANT THEM TO UNDERSTAND THAT THEY HAVE TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR KIDS.

>> A LOT OF PEOPLE GET SICK.

A LOT OF US ARE SICK BECAUSE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND THE MORE THAT WE CRACKED, THE MORE WE HARM THE EARTH AND THE CLIMATE.

>> Reporter: FOR JAMES LEE, HE IS MARCHING AGAINST EFFORTS TO WIDEN THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE.

>> HIGHWAY WIDENING HAVE BEEN IGNORED IN TERMS OF THEIR EFFECT ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND DIVIDING DOWNTOWN JERSEY CITY, CLOGGING LOCAL STREETS AND DESTROYING OUR EARTH THROUGH CLIMATE CHANGE GASES.

>> Reporter: HE HOPES THE MARCH WILL MOTIVATE PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND THE RIPPLE EFFECT.

>> IN JERSEY CITY AND HUDSON COUNTY, MOST EVERYBODY THAT LEARNS ABOUT THIS PROJECT AGREES THAT IT IS TERRIBLE.

IT IS UNSAFE STREETS, LOCAL STREETS, CONGESTION ON THE TURNPIKE.

>> IT IS ALWAYS A TWO-PRONGED PROCESS.

ONE BEING THE LOBBYING OF POLITICIANS AND THE OTHER BEING THE ORGANIZING OF THE CONSTITUENTS.

WE HAVE TO DO BOTH TO ACHIEVE OUR GOAL.

♪ >> Reporter: THESE GROUPS SAY NEW JERSEY SHOULD HAVE A MORATORIUM ON FOSSIL FUEL PROJECTS UNTIL THE STATE COMES UP WITH WAYS TO EVENTUALLY REPLACE THEM WITH RENEWABLES.

IN TRENTON, I AM TED GOLDBERG, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> THAT DOES IT FOR US THIS EVENING.

IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE POLITICAL HEADLINES, CHECK OUT THE SEASON FINALE OF REPORTERS ROUNDTABLE WITH DAVID CRUZ WHO SPEAKS WITH GREG COGHLAN .

THEN A PANEL OF LOCAL REPORTERS BREAK DOWN THE BIG STORIES.

THAT IS FRIDAY AT 10:00 A.M. ON THE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL OR WHATEVER YOU STREAM.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI .

FROM THE ENTIRE TEAM, THANKS FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT.

WE WILL SEE YOU BACK HERE TOMORROW.

>>> THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJBARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND ORSTED, COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW LONG-TERM, SUSTAINABLE, CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

>> ORSTED WILL PROVIDE RENEWABLE , OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY , JOBS, EDUCATION, SUPPLY-CHAIN , AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GARDEN STATE.

ORSTED, COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY ONLINE AT US.ORSTED.COM .